Photos and video emerged Wednesday depicting a new episode of alleged police abuse during a demonstration that turned violent on one of the more elegant shopping streets of the Italian capital.
The policeman was photographed as he appeared to kick and then pin the prone young man on the ground as anti-riot police rushed on protesters during a demonstration for housing and against government austerity measures in Via Vittorio Veneto. The video and photo show the young man dressed in jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, his face covered with a scarf.
Another police officer in Rome was placed under investigation after photos were taken of him apparently trampling a young woman in the same protest.
The policeman claimed he thought she was "a backpack" and is accused of abuse of power.
Roughly 15 were injured in the demonstration. One demonstrator lost a hand when a firecracker exploded. At least six were arrested.
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